BROOKS, Alta. — Nick Peluso scored a hat-trick including the overtime winner as Brooks Bandits eliminated West sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ Warriors four games to one in the BCHL junior hockey playoff opener.
The Bandits beat West sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ 5-4 on Friday to finish off the best-of-seven series which saw three games decided by one goal and two in overtime.
Keith McInnis and Dante Siciliano also scored in the win. Luke Bibby drew two assists.
Axel Lofgren scored twice including a goal at 18:50 of the third period – with the goalie sitting on the bench for the extra attacker – to send the game into overtime. Jackson Kyrkostas and Elias Callgren also scored for the Warriors.
Pelusosa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ game winner came at 11:28 in overtime.
Zach Zahara made 36 saves in the win. Edouard Gauthier stopped 24 shots for the Warriors.
In other action Friday, Cranbrook Bucks took a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven series with a 4-2 win over Trail. Game 6 in that series is Sunday afternoon in Cranbrook beginning at 6 p.m.
